Latest news with #Siamese
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sanctuary captures rare glimpse of 'angel horse' spotted near cliff's edge — here's why this matters
A wildlife sanctuary in Thailand recently spotted an elusive but treasured species roaming the cliffs, signaling an important step for wildlife conservation in the area. The serow — also known as the "angel horse" in Thai — is an endangered and protected species native to the region by the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. According to Chiang Mai Citylife, a patrol team of the sanctuary captured the goat-like animal on camera grazing near a summit. A few years ago, a survey of the local population estimated that roughly 108 serows lived in the area. While more updated numbers aren't finalized, experts think that numbers have increased, with the population sitting at around 300 throughout Thailand. Leaders at the sanctuary say that this rare sighting is a clear indication of the health of the local ecosystem thanks to conservation efforts in the area. In fact, a study by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature found that conservation strategies around the world have resulted in a 45% increase in biodiversity. In Thailand, specifically, these efforts to support vulnerable animal populations and, by extension, local ecosystems have manifested themselves through sightings like this one. Trail cameras are often how these discoveries are captured, from spotting a herd of wild water buffalo to an elusive Siamese crocodile. Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is closed to the public for the majority of the year in support of ecological restoration, though they open for a few months during the winter season for nature study. The government also has patrol teams on the ground throughout the year to deter poaching and keep track of protected populations like the serow. By placing priority on conserving native wildlife, governments and organizations alike are breathing life back into the ecological diversity and welfare of these species' natural habitats. These efforts not only protect animals, but they also help the ecosystem mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis, securing our food supply and making a cleaner and healthier planet for all. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
National Geographic
3 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
Are orange cats really the goofiest cats? Genetics may have an answer.
The best science on ginger feline behavior hints, yeah, there might be something special about them. Orange cats are said to have goofy personalities. Is that really true? Photograph by Christina Gandolfo, Alamy Stock Photo Hanging from lamps, catapulting off countertops, tackling the dog, biting your legs unexpectedly—there are many wacky behaviors associated with orange cats, often captured on TikTok, whose owners swear are extra derpy, slapdash, and yet also friendly to a fault. But scientifically speaking, are orange cats actually any different than cats of other colors? For starters, orange cats are not a breed, like British shorthair or Siamese. Cats of many breeds, from Maine coons and munchkins to American bobtails and Siberians, can have orange colorations. Which perhaps makes it all the weirder that orange cat aficionados claim that orange cat behaviors transcend breed. Earlier this year scientists identified the gene responsible for the orange coat coloration found in cats. It's called ARHGAP36. But as to whether orange coloration also comes with a suite of behaviors or personality traits, much less is known. (Surprising things you never knew about your cat) In 2015, a small study published in the journal Anthrozoös used an anonymous online poll to find that people were at least more likely to attribute the trait 'friendliness' to orange cats than other cat colors. And a larger study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in the same year also found some support to the idea that orange cats are distinct. 'We found that most of the differences are breed-related, but there were also some differences related to coat color,' says Carlo Siracusa, a clinical scientist at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and senior author of the study. Lilac-colored cats, for instance, were found to be more playful and more likely to experience separation anxiety. Piebald cats, or those with white patches, had decreased vocalization scores. And cats with a tortoiseshell pattern were less aggressive toward dogs. But orange cats? 'It's interesting that you mention orange cats being more outgoing, more gregarious, because actually, we found the opposite,' says Siracusa. 'They were more likely to show fear-related aggressions towards unfamiliar people.' Orange cats were also linked to a heightened interest in prey. Digging into the science on orange cats While Siracusa's research may be some of the best we have when it comes to attributing any behavior to cat colors, he is quick to qualify the findings. 'Our assessment was done through questions sent to owners. It was not done via direct observation,' he says. 'Every time you use a questionnaire, you are assuming the risk of bias, because you are asking people what they think about something.' Therefore, it may just be that the idea of orange cats being extra sassy is so prominent, that bias is showing up in studies. Even with that knowledge though, Siracusa says biases are often grounded in experience. And as someone who handles cats on a regular basis, he has his own experience-based beliefs, such as male cats being more outgoing than females. 'My perception itself, at this point, is a bias,' he laughs. Orange cat behavior—what we do know Even without a slam-dunk study connecting a cat's orange-ness to its personality, there are hints at a biological link. Remember the ARHGAP36 gene that provides orange coloration? Well, it's linked to the X-chromosome. This explains why orange cats are more likely to be male, the authors report in the study published in Current Biology. Female cats have two X chromosomes. And that means they must possess two copies of the gene in order to produce orange coloration. But males, which have XY chromosomes, need just one copy of ARHGAP36, to develop orange colorations. Perhaps this is the real answer to orange cat quirkiness: Siracusa tends to think that, in general, male cats are more outgoing. But, here's where things get interesting. As scientists learn more about genes and how they influence development, they have learned that any given gene is often linked with a variety of downstream traits. For instance, people with red hair have a variant of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which may also be linked to a higher tolerance of pain and reduced effectiveness of anesthesia. Now, in studies of humans and mice, the ARHGAP36 gene is expressed in the brain and hormonal glands. Even more interestingly, the cells that give fur or skin color, known as pigment cells, actually begin their development in the neural crest cells of an embryo. (Here's how your cat experiences the world) These cells can also 'differentiate into neurons and endocrine cells that produce catecholamines, which are known to control activity and excitability,' says Hiroyuki Sasaki, an emeritus professor and geneticist at Kyushu University in Japan, in an email. 'It thus seems possible that the DNA mutation in the gene could cause changes in temperaments and behaviors,' says Sasaki, who is senior author on the study. 'I should like to stress, however, that this is just a speculation.' Cats are individuals, too Even if there was some scientific underpinning for ginger cat behavior, the scientists stress, there would always likely be exceptions to the rules. 'This is what we see in the clinics every day,' says Siracusa, who says clients frequently tell him they selected a certain breed or color pet for its prescribed behavior. 'And then they have an animal that behaves in a completely opposite manner, and they are shocked,' he says. (How diverse personalities help animals survive) With nearly 74 million pet cats in the United States alone, you might wonder how it is that anything remains a mystery about the companion animals. But questions that are not linked to urgent human or animal health issues often go overlooked and underfunded, says Sasaki. 'Our world is still full of mystery, and there are so many unanswered questions around us, including those that may seem very simple,' says Sasaki.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Nehru Zoo Park to acquire 250+ species, including cheetahs
Hyderabad: A host of new animals are on their way to the Nehru Zoological Park, including several exotic species, according to the Director of NZP, Sunil S Hiremath. Notably, zoo authorities have revealed plans to introduce three cheetahs as part of this expansion. The zoo currently houses 195 species, but the director states that the aim is to increase this number to over 250 within a few months. "Our goal is to create an environment within the zoo where every animal feels safe and comfortable enough to breed. We are already achieving this with several endangered species such as the one-horned rhinoceros — of which the zoo has five — and the Royal Bengal Tiger, with 28 currently in our care," the director said. "We want to continue expanding our collection and acquire animals that will be of interest to visitors. " The zoo has been actively expanding its animal population since the beginning of the year. In April, it received an Indian gazelle, a swamp deer, cheer pheasants, and Siamese crocodiles through exchange programmes with various zoos across the country. Two serval cats were also put on display this past Sunday. According to zoo officials, the first new arrival expected is a wallaby, which is set to reach the zoo within two months, having been procured from a private vendor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Search For Direct Scaffolding Deals Direct Scaffolding Deals | Search Ads Learn More Undo Plans are also in place to expand the primate section, with efforts underway to bring in gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, hoolock gibbons, and white-handed gibbons, all classified as endangered. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad To acquire white lions too Additionally, the zoo is working to acquire three to five white lions from a zoo in Europe, as well as zebras, lemurs, and slender lorises. The director said a verbal agreement had been reached to acquire cheetahs from a zoo in Asia in exchange for a one-horned rhinoceros, but it may take some time. "The deal is still in its preliminary stages. So far, discussions have only taken place via a third party, but I am pushing for a direct meeting soon. The enclosure and all facilities to accommodate the cheetahs are in place, we just need to bring them here," he added. If the deal is finalised, Nehru Zoological Park will become only the second zoo in the country, after the Mysore Zoo, to house cheetahs.
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Laundry stealing cat Leonardo da Pinchy becomes subject of internet appeal
A cat nicknamed Leonardo da Pinchy that likes to steal underwear has hit the headlines after the owner launched an appeal on social media in a bid to return the stolen items. Instead of birds and mice, 15-month-old Siamese cross Leo, has taken to returning home with items of underwear, gloves and socks – sometimes with the clothes pegs still attached. Leo's owner, Helen North, of Mairangi Bay, near Auckland, put out an appeal in bid a return the items, which include an expensive Cashmere sweater and a 5ft stuffed snake. Ms North turned to a neighbourhood WhatsApp group to return Leo's stolen goods to their rightful owners. Her usual message is: 'Are these your undies?' Leo with a haul of some of the items he has stolen (Helen North via AP) With dozens of items unclaimed, the embarrassed owner took her search for Leo's victims wider this month, posting photos of his hauls on a Facebook page along with an apology and her address. Those who showed up to claim their belongings included a woman who recognised her pink and purple underpants and a boy whose beloved sports jersey was helpfully identifiable by his name printed on the back. 'All of our neighbours think he's amazing,' Ms North said. 'Some of them are quite put out that he hasn't actually stolen anything of theirs.' Ms North has tried everything to curb her cat's laundry obsession, from attempting to keep him indoors to leaving out clothes at home for him to steal. 'He only wants stuff that he shouldn't have,' she said, adding that she was also unwilling to risk an online suggestion that Leo simply needed another playmate. 'He might teach another cat to do this,' Ms North said. Leo's life of crime began when he was first allowed outdoors a year ago. But his family hopes it is just a juvenile phase. 'I hope he grows out of it because I don't want to do this for like, 15 years,' Ms North said. 'This is a lot of admin.'
BreakingNews.ie
6 days ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Laundry stealing cat Leonardo da Pinchy becomes subject of internet appeal
A cat nicknamed Leonardo da Pinchy that likes to steal underwear has hit the headlines after the owner launched an appeal on social media in a bid to return the stolen items. Instead of birds and mice, 15-month-old Siamese cross Leo, has taken to returning home with items of underwear, gloves and socks – sometimes with the clothes pegs still attached. Advertisement Leo's owner, Helen North, of Mairangi Bay, near Auckland, put out an appeal in bid a return the items, which include an expensive Cashmere sweater and a 5ft stuffed snake. Ms North turned to a neighbourhood WhatsApp group to return Leo's stolen goods to their rightful owners. Her usual message is: 'Are these your undies?' Leo with a haul of some of the items he has stolen (Helen North via AP) With dozens of items unclaimed, the embarrassed owner took her search for Leo's victims wider this month, posting photos of his hauls on a Facebook page along with an apology and her address. Those who showed up to claim their belongings included a woman who recognised her pink and purple underpants and a boy whose beloved sports jersey was helpfully identifiable by his name printed on the back. Advertisement 'All of our neighbours think he's amazing,' Ms North said. 'Some of them are quite put out that he hasn't actually stolen anything of theirs.' Ms North has tried everything to curb her cat's laundry obsession, from attempting to keep him indoors to leaving out clothes at home for him to steal. 'He only wants stuff that he shouldn't have,' she said, adding that she was also unwilling to risk an online suggestion that Leo simply needed another playmate. 'He might teach another cat to do this,' Ms North said. Advertisement Leo's life of crime began when he was first allowed outdoors a year ago. But his family hopes it is just a juvenile phase. 'I hope he grows out of it because I don't want to do this for like, 15 years,' Ms North said. 'This is a lot of admin.'
